About Scarborough Downs
Our Mission:
At Scarborough Downs, we are dedicated to the sport of harness racing. We strive to entertain the public, and provide a livelihood for the equine industry so we can provide for our employees, community, and State of Maine Agricultural interests.
Thank you to all our supporters. Although the outcome of the November vote (11/08/2011) was disappointing for everyone associated with
About the track...
Scarborough Downs Harness Racetrack is proud to be celebrating its 62nd year of business in 2012! And we owe our success to all our valued customers and horse men and women who support the track each and every season.
Nestled in the tall pines on 500 acres in the heart of Southern Maine in the town of Scarborough, Scarborough Downs is the home of New England's fastest half-mile track. The track, designed by Charles Coon and Sons, has drawn rave reviews by horsemen and women throughout its fast-paced history.
The track was once a popular Thoroughbred track when it opened in the 50s until the 70s, then became a harness track.
The track's unique setting draws thousands every racing season from all parts of the United States, Canada and beyond!
In addition to our 2011 live harness racing schedule, Scarborough Downs offers simulcasting of both thoroughbred and harness races from premier tracks from across the US and Canada -- 363 days a year, noon to midnight.
Close to the beaches and only 7 miles from downtown Portland, Maine's largest city, Scarborough Downs is one of the top entertainment destinations in the state -- We were voted the area's top Recreation Destination four years in a row! We truly are the only place to watch The Kentucky Derby and all the Triple Crown races! We are also host to a series of exciting and educational events all year long, from Family Fun Day to The Maine Breeders Stakes races! This year, we're holding the 2-year-old Stakes Finals in September and the 3-year-old Stakes Finals in October. Plus there's a whole lot of fun planned all season long, just check our Special Events section for the latest updates on all our special events. Whether you are new to harness racing or are a seasoned fan, you'll enjoy the thrill of a visit to the track. So make sure you stop in for a visit on your next trip to Maine, and enjoy your day at the races!
How to Get to the Track!
Directions: We are conveniently located off Exit 42 of the Maine Turnpike, north or south. To use our Payne Road Entrance: Turn left after the toll plaza and the track entrance is on the right at the next traffic light. You can also reach us via US Route 1: Just head south from the Oak Hill intersection for about 1 mile and Scarborough Downs is on the Right at the 3rd light. From Portland: Take 295 South to Exit 3/Scarborough. Follow access road to Route 1 South. Pass through 7 traffic lights. Scarborough Downs is on the right at the 8th light.
The Grandstand Building under construction, circa 1949
The Scarborough Downs mile race track under construction (circa 1949)
In the old days, draft horses used to pull the starting gate
out before the start of the races. Note the crowd gathered trackside in the shadows.
A Brief Timeline of Scarborough Downs
July 1, 1950 - Businessmen Robert Verrier and Fred Snow open Scarborough Downs. The owners built the track and clubhouse in 75 days on land they bought from Scarborough for $600. Scarborough Downs conducts thoroughbred racing exclusively.
1951 - Gorham Raceway President Joseph Cianchette and Verrier go to court over competing race dates at harness racetrack Gorham Raceway and Scarborough Downs. The court rules that thoroughbred races and harness races can’t be run at the same time.
1959 - Scarborough Downs enjoys the height of its popularity, with betting over $65 million this year, adjusted for inflation, and attendance just under 260,000 people.
1968 - Its bottom line bruised by competition from harness racing, Scarborough Downs is sold to West Virginia sportsman, James Edwards, for about $1 million.
1969 - Scarborough Downs is sold to Ogden Corp. of New York and begins offering harness racing as well as thoroughbred racing.
1973 - The half-mile oval track is built and Scarborough Downs switches to harness racing exclusively.
1975 - Scarborough Downs struggles to turn a profit and appears headed for bankruptcy; Ogden puts the track up for sale.
1979 - Thirty-three-year-old businessman Joseph Ricci buys Scarborough Downs for $990,000.
2001 - Joseph Ricci dies at age 55. His widow, Sharon Terry, assumes ownership of the track.
2003 - While a state-wide referendum is approved to allow slot machines at Maine's commercial track, local Scarborough voters reject a referendum that would allow slot machines at the Downs.
2008 - The plan for Saratoga-modeled town center and slot machines at the Downs is voted down by the Town of Scarborough in a referendum.
2010 - The City of Biddeford overwhelmingly supports a measure to move Scarborough Downs to the city, where Biddeford Downs -- a harness race track with slot machines -- would be realized.
2011 - Question 2 on the Statewide ballot is defeated.